University of Hull flood researcher scoops UK prize for inspiring pupils

University of Hull researcher Josh Wolstenholme has won a national prize for his work in delivering online science sessions for pupils during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The Energy & Environment Institute PhD candidate and Research Assistant signed up to the I’m a Scientist, Get Me Out of Here! project, supported by UK Research & Innovation.

The project provided a unique online platform which enabled pupils to ask Josh and other scientists questions, and engage with STEM research, during school closures brought about by the pandemic.

Josh, whose current research at Hull explores flood risk, attended a series of virtual science sessions with school-age children, who went on to vote for the Hull researcher as the best scientist in the country for the Blue Zone group.

The prize was £500, which Josh said would help him create interactive 3D flood models, free and available for all to use.

Josh said: “The impact of Covid-19 on school children has been well documented, with schools forced to close and pupils having to study and learn at home.

“This project provided a way for pupils to continue to be inspired by science throughout the pandemic, and for scientists across the country to engage with young people.

“It was a privilege to be able to play a small part in the project, and to answer some of the questions pupils had about my research into flood risk and the bioeconomy.

“To be named Blue Zone winner, voted by the children themselves, is a huge honour. The prize money will support my continued work around flooding, and hopefully enable and inspire the next generation of scientists in the field.”

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